UNODC, NAPTIP, EU,  ECOWAS Unify To Combat Human Trafficking In Nigeria

Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the European Union (EU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged to work together to combat this widespread crime in Nigeria.

The commitment was made during Nigeria’s first policy-level meeting on human trafficking, which took place on Monday in Abuja.

The meeting, a key component of the “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026)” project, aims to strengthen the framework for combating human trafficking.

This project, funded by the Swiss government and executed by NAPTIP and UNODC, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders.

NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, acknowledged the severity of the problem, calling human trafficking a grave violation of human rights that threatens the very fabric of Nigerian society.

She emphasized the need for a coordinated response involving government agencies, law enforcement, international partners, civil society, and the general public.

“We will ensure our coordination remains robust and adaptable to the evolving nature of trafficking crimes,” Bello stated, highlighting the need for robust data collection and analysis to effectively combat this complex and ever-changing crime.

NAPTIP is now employing a bottom-up approach, engaging with all 774 local government areas to identify and track traffickers at the grassroots level, enabling better prevention and prosecution.

Danilo Campiso, Deputy Country Representative of UNODC Nigeria, expressed optimism about achieving a human trafficking-free Nigeria, underlining the critical role of collaboration in effective implementation.

“The success of this project and the full implementation of the NAP depend on strong coordination, commitment, and the collaborative spirit that unites us today,” he stated.

Representatives from ECOWAS and the Swiss government echoed the need for collective action.

Dr Omar Alieu Touray’s representative, Mr. Tunde Olayemi, stressed the importance of coordination in achieving a child trafficking-free Africa.

  Miss Ojoma Ali, representing the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to this goal, commending NAPTIP for its consistent efforts in preventing and prosecuting trafficking crimes.

The United States, through its representative Mr. Micheal Berenton, highlighted the need to examine the complex system of human trafficking to identify areas for impactful intervention.

“When we move from policy to action, those actions should be influencing this complex system in a positive way that meets all of our shared goals,” he said.

This united front signifies a crucial step towards achieving a Nigeria free from human trafficking. By working together, these organisations aim to ensure robust implementation of anti-trafficking laws, protect the rights and dignity of individuals, and create a safer environment for all.